Thalat, Lao PDR 13 March 2019 - IOM, under the framework of the Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants ( GLO.ACT) supported the Counselling and Protection Center for Women and Children Lao Women's Union to organize a victim identification training for provincial and district representatives of the Lao Women's Union in Vientiane province on 26 February 2019. The four-day the training was opened by Mrs. Thoummlay Vongphachanh, Vice President of the Lao Women's Union.
Vientiane, a province that shares a border with Thailand, has been identified as an area at risk of human trafficking and migrant smuggling. An increase in fake marriages has also been noted. In terms of relevant legislation, victim protection and assistance, article 41 of the anti-trafficking law and well as the national plan of action (2017-2020), in particular section 4 are the most relevant to stakeholders tasked with victim identification, referral, protection and assistance.
The overall objective of the training was to further develop the knowledge, skill and expertise of the provincial and district Lao Women's Union, on victim identification, referral mechanisms, protection and assistance measures as well as strengthening interview techniques. More specifically, the training enhanced the capacity of participants to recognize TIP and they gained the relevant understanding on national and international legislations related to TIP. The expected outcome is not only that TIP victims are correctly identified but also that vulnerable and at-risk women and children can access appropriate protection and assistance measures in a timely manner. This in turn, will ensure that the rights of women and children, and the rights of TIP victims as are protected.
The training was attended by presidents/vice presidents of the provincial and district Lao Women's Union's and technical officer from 11 Districts in Vientiane province, as well as the trainers from The Counselling and Protection for Women and Children Center, the Lao Women's Union and the Anti-Trafficking Department.
The Global Action to Prevent and Address Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants (GLO.ACT) is a four-year (2015-2019), €11 million joint initiative by the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The project is being implemented in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). GLO.ACT aims to provide assistance to governmental authorities and civil society organizations across 13 strategically selected countries: Belarus, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao PDR, Mali, Morocco, Nepal, Niger, Pakistan, South Africa, Ukraine. GLO.ACT works with the 13 countries to plan and implement strategic national counter-trafficking and counter-smuggling efforts through a prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnerships approach. It supports the development of more effective responses to trafficking and smuggling, including providing assistance to victims of trafficking and vulnerable migrants through the strengthening of identification, referral, and direct support mechanisms.
More information about GLO.ACT is available here.
For more information, please contact:
Ms. Phrommala Souriivonexay
Website: https://www.iom.int/gloact
Email: glo.act@un.org
Twitter: @glo_act
